Chapter 12Notes:Warnings on cannon typical stuff.(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)Chapter Text(North – Wolf's Wood)Oberyn led his band of young men through the forest, though saying he was leading was an overstatement. The dire wolves Grey Wind and Ghost were truly leading them. It was uncanny the way the wolves reacted, as though some unseen force was leading them toward their target. He'd checked with Robb, the heir to Winterfell had been marking their passage as they had long gone off any beaten trails, they were making better time than if they had followed the normal paths."Uncle," Oberyn turned to see Quentyn riding up beside him, Trystane had remained at Winterfell having befriended the younger boys. Quentyn frowned, "The wolves have slowed, they have switched to a hunting pattern, it is like the jackals in the dunes, they know their prey is close."The prince nodded, "I have noticed as well, we must be getting close to Lorch, I feel the wolves are feeding off Robb and Jon's desire to find your cousin's murderer and bring him before their father for judgment."The young man's frown deepened, "Why do we take the man to Lord Stark, is it not we who were wronged?""This is the North my beloved nephew, and in the North, the will of the Stark in Winterfell is heeded above all else," Oberyn sighed, "Technically speaking, Lord Stark has also been wanting Lorch brought to justice longer than we, it fractured his friendship with Robert when he did not see Lorch and Clegane brought to justice.""Yet he simply cast Clegane to the Wall, the man still draws breath," Quentyn argued.Oberyn chuckled, "Yes, as a member of the Night's Watch. It is a fitting punishment, he will spend the remainder of his days cold with no reprieve from that place that does not end in death. Lorch is not as lucky, Stark will execute him as a craven child murderer, I have studied the old ways. If they have a hell it reserves a special place for such fiends."Quentyn sighed before looking to where Aegon rode next to Jon, "Aegon was beside himself thinking Robert was going to murder his brother, now they ride to bring the last known killer of their family to justice.""Not the last one," Oberyn corrected, "just the last we will be allowed to see justice done to. Cersei had a hand in it but we cannot harm her. She is protected under guest rights and Stark must protect her as she is a prisoner under his charge. It is rumored she has also taken to the Old Gods.""Then may they show her justice," Quentyn sneered before moving to catch up with Robb and Theon.The prince of Dorne was alone only a moment before Loras rode up to him, "Your nephew is a wildcard. You going to be able to keep him from doing anything regrettable?""Quentyn will do as he has been ordered by his father," Oberyn assured, "and I was there when the order was given. Lorch will arrive at Winterfell but I will not dirty such a place with the presence of such evil. He will not cross the threshold.""I am sure Lord Stark will not take offense at such reimaginings of his command," Loras smirked. His humored expression fell as Robb's hunting horn blew, and the dire wolves howled, "The hunt is on it would seem."Oberyn shot forward on his sand steed the horse not wanting to follow the scent of the wolves but heeded his rider's command. The trees soon parted on a clearing. A disheveled man was scrambling to reach the far side of the clearing, but the two wolves were already moving to cut him off. The lads were also overtaking the fleeing man from across the clearing Sandor, Gendry, and Edric emerged from the woods with the array of guards they'd brought with them.Sandor was the only man who could positively identify Lorch, being a fellow Westerlander. Clegane nodded as he dismounted, "Lorch, ya cunt, Lord Tywin sent you to the fucking Wall, you should have fucking stayed there.""Clegane, why the seven hells are you here?" Lorch fell backward as he stopped trying to run, "There was a mistake, I just need to beg forgiveness from Lord Lannister. Your brother could back up my claims.""You mean my brother who by now is wearing black and probably manning the lift at Castle Black, not much other use for that piece of filth." Clegane growled, "He followed Lord Tywin's command, just as I am now. You are going to get into the nice little wagon we brought, and you are going to ride with us back to Winterfell. Once we get there, Lord Stark is going to part your craven head from your craven body."Lorch was practically blubbering when two guards approached and began binding his arms, "Please, I beg you, Sandor, don't let them do this, I'm innocent, I've never hurt a fly."Oberyn dismounted and approached the man, "Oh, and was my niece less than a fly to you?" Lorch paled at the furry in the eyes of the Dornishman, Oberyn swept his hand indicating the young men mounted around them, "Take a look, Lorch, save for two of these lads each of them would have been a worthy match to my dear sweet niece. They ride here not to win her favor but to see justice granted to her, justice against the craven shit who stabbed her over fifty times." Oberyn made a point to single out Aegon and Jon, "as for those two, well you butchered their elder sister. They have an uncle other than me who cannot wait to meet you again."Lorch shook his head, "Clegane killed prince Aegon, I saw the body."Aegon snarled, "A boy from Fleabottom, whose life was traded for mine. My brother was hidden by his mother's family, safe and sound here in the North. Far from the reach of you cretins. Uncle Eddard denied my request to be the one to take your head, you know why?" Lorch shook his head, "The Old Ways, it's the man who passes the sentence who should carry it out. I was only a babe at the teat when Lord Stark passed judgment on you, Lorch. He was merciful in agreeing to see you given to the Wall. Had you stayed at the Wall, we'd have let you continue breathing to your last, now, you will just be fuel for the fires."(King's Landing – Dragon Pit)Melisandre walked around the open area instructing the workmen she'd recruited to handle preparations. Davos entered with a warning glare, "What by all that is good are you doing woman?""We must be ready, time grows short and when the three heads arrive, they must complete the ritual to awaken the dragons from stone," Melisandre spoke as she continued the pattern of walking between each bonfire alters were set at the top of the three large structures, "We must be ready.""Lord Stannis has ordered you to quit this nonsense," Davos growled out, "I have the means for the two princes and the princess to awaken their dragons without resorting to your devilry."Melisandre paused and looked at him, "Then why has the Lord of Light sent me visions of this place, the calls of dragons the screams of people? It is overwhelming at times."Davos snorted, "Mayhaps it is madness, considering what happened here over a century ago."The red woman looked at him in shock, "What?"Davos was confused for a moment but realized the priestess truly was confused, "The Dance of Dragons, the dragon pit was attacked by a mob rallied up by a madman. The last of the bastard sons of the queen who wasn't queen fell to his death trying to save the dragons here. The fool boy tried riding his mother's dragon. The dragons housed here were all slain due to them being trapped in their dens beneath us.""I am not meant to guide them," Melisandre seemed to understand something, "I am to prepare for their coming," She headed for the entrance to the passages beneath the pit, "Come Davos.""Where the hells do you think your going woman," Davos spat as he followed Melisandre, "It's a death trap down there, might not be dragons anymore but the place is full of half-mad men who speak only some bastard variant of Valarian. They attack anyone who dares enter their domain, the crown never really cared to clear them out, they keep to themselves mostly."Melisandre frowned, "Who are they?""Descendants of the old dragon keepers," both turned to find Stannis and Renly approaching, it had been Renly who responded, "Only the Targaryen could understand them. From what I can gather, they only surface to steal young women down into their caverns when they need to have kids. They're all men, not that they cast out their daughters, but probably as fond of incest as our late cousin's house."Davos frowned, "Aye, kept my sister from being dragged off by one of them, only kept from being shanked because a couple of gold cloaks were nearby. They chased the rest of the bloke's cronies back to the pit, but didn't dare enter.""That's standard orders for them," Renly supplied, "stop the abduction if at all possible, but don't be a hero. Probably more than a few gold cloak corpses down there."Stannis frowned at the entrance and called for a guard to bring a torch. He angled the torch the light reflecting in three sets of eyes and off three daggers made of dragon glass, "I had the feeling we were being watched." He glared at the men, "Do you speak common?"One of the men stepped into the light, his tanned skin having a light dusting of ash and soot from spending his life in the caverns below the city, "Aye, we have learned it, though we do not speak it often.""I am the Master of Ships for King Robert Baratheon first of his name," Stannis indicated his brother, "my brother Renly is Master of Laws. You and yours know how to tend dragons?""We know the old ways of the dragon keepers," the man frowned, "but dragons are gone from this world. The men with chains upon their necks made sure of this."Renly stepped forward, "The maesters? What do you mean, how could they have killed dragons?""It was they who sent the men to smash the eggs, they who ensured all attempts to awake new dragons failed." The man bowed his head, "We failed to protect our charges. The dragons fell, and magic was lost because we did not keep our secrets."Davos looked to Stannis, "What is he talking about?"Stannis's eyes widened, "The books on dragon lore, do not mention the dragon keepers. Yet who else would know so much about dragons? I fear we have more trouble in the Reach than the grumblings of the Most Devout over House Hightower renouncing the faith and turning to the Old Gods.""The Tyrells have already departed Highgarden for Winterfell," Renly informed, "Many of their lords have traveled with them seeing as the marriage between Robb Stark and Margaery Tyrell is quite historic."Stannis nodded, "Has Maester Pycell returned yet?""Indeed," Davos informed, "arrived this morning, said he'd meet with you after he settled back in and rested from his journey.""Tell Varys I have a task for him," Stannis crossed his arms, "I need to do something that no lord has ever attempted. I need to investigate the Citadel without them knowing."One of the dragon keepers stepped forward, "You are the blood of the dragon?"Renly grimaced, "Yes of a sort, our grandmother was Targaryen.""You are blood or Orys brother to Aegon," the keeper explained, "your blood runs to the founding of your house.""So legends say," Stannis nodded, "but we are known as Stags, our brother has taken the last of the dragons to his side to protect them." Two guards approached carrying a chest, "and as we protect them, I believe you can protect these."The keepers looked cautiously at the guards before opening the chest and staring in shock at the three eggs within.(North – Winterfell)Mace Tyrell rode through the gates on the back of a horse on loan from a minor northern lord whose keep they'd spent the night at. His horse had not faired well through the neck, having become ill forcing him to ride with his wife and mother in the monstrosity of a wheelhouse his mother insisted they bring. It had lengthened their journey time considerably and had irked more than a few of his banners traveling with them.Tarly had even offered to see the damn thing accidentally set ablaze. Mace had been tempted, especially after realizing the sudden illness of his horse had not been due to some terror of the neck, but his mother's ploy to force him to speak with her. She was still against the marriage, hoping to wed Margaery to Robert now that the king was without a wife.The old Mace, the one who hadn't watched the world descend into madness and be consumed by death and darkness might have been contrite to his mother's whims. The Mace after this experience was not to be plied by the Queen of Thorns' barbs and venomous words. He'd already made sure none of her poisoned tools had been brought along, and Left and Right were left at Highgarden. For the first time in years, his mother was truly forced to acknowledge he was the Lord Paramount of the Reach, and she was his mother the dowager lady of the Reach.Mace dismounted and moved to greet his daughter who awaited their arrival, "Margaery, my dearest daughter," he looked around but did not see Lord Stark or Loras, "I thought you betrothed or your brother at least would be here to greet us.""Loras and Robb are attending to a matter Lord Stark needed to be seen to," Margaery informed, "they are expected to return soon. Lord Stark and his Grace will greet you in the main hall, there have been so many arrivals that it is just easier to gather there."Mace nodded, "I see, we'll await your mother and brothers then see to greetings and receiving guest rights.""I would be remiss," a red-haired girl slightly younger than Margaery approached a servant at her side with a tray of salt and bread, "in not offering such to an honored guest such as you Lord Tyrell."Mace immediately recognized the girl as Lord Stark's eldest daughter, "I take it you are Lady Sansa," he knew not the girl's knowledge of things and did not want to startle her by knowing her on sight, "I appreciate the welcome and receive guest rights as offered. Though, would not be your lady mother's task to offer them in this manner?"Sansa looked grimly, "Mother is unwell and has been relieved of her duties by father. As my father's eldest daughter, it is my place to take up the duties as Lady of Winterfell, at least until Lady Margaery weds my brother."Mace saw his daughter take the girl's hand and smile, "We will of course work together to fill your mother's shoes good sister, at least till you chose a worthy husband.""Well, dear brother it seems we have already been cast aside," Garlan snarked as he and his wife walked beside Willas, "our lovely sister has become so enamored with her new family she completely forgets her beloved brothers."Margaery turned to her brother with a scowl, "Dearest brother, if I knew you were coming I'd have prepared better. No doubt you expected rose petals thrown to your feet.""I believe you're confusing me for Loras, but you know a bit of cheering would be nice," Garlan looked at the people observing them, "Quite the serious bunch you got here."Willas elbowed his brother before stepping forward to take some salt and bread, "Ignore the ponce," Willas smiled benignly to Sansa, "I'm led to believe all the wit of our family was reserved for Margaery and myself, alas there was not enough to spare for Garland and Loras. It's a travesty."Mace noticed the girl taking notice of his son's cane, "My lord, are you injured?"It was not hard to believe the girl had not heard of Willas being wounded in a tourney years ago. Willas smirked, "Ah, the cane, I took a bad fall during a joust some years ago. My family maester was able to save my leg but was unable to repair the damage fully. Leaving me unable to ride, and I happen to find standing for prolonged periods quite taxing."It was surprising to Mace when the girl stepped closer to his son, "My lord if you would allow I can show you to the great hall where you can find a place to sit and have a warm drink.""Indeed," Willas smirked, "I have heard of a northern drink known as mead.""I have never tried it personally," the girl blushed, "but my older brothers have taken to it when father permits them to drink anything harder than watered wine."Mace smirked as he watched his eldest be led towards the keep, "I can see you have been teaching the young Lady Stark a thing or two."Margaery grinned, "Princess Arianna and I have taken her under our wings, and Arriana's cousins have been quite helpful in teaching her to let go of her naivete."Seeing the servant move to offer guest rights to the rest of the party Mace looked to his daughter, "What really happened to Lady Stark?""She overstepped herself and struck Lady Cersei who is a prisoner in the care of Lord Stark. She also schemed to make it seem as though Lady Ashara had broken guests' rights by inciting her to strike her. This happened in public though in full view of the yard and with Lord Stark within earshot of what Lady Stark said to incite Lady Dayne."Garland spoke up, "Wait, Lady Ashara Dayne is alive?""Yes," Margaery sighed, "Lady Dayne faked her death to go to Essos to protect and raise Prince Aegon. Lord Stark was already protecting Prince Jon, the son of his sister and Prince Rhaegar, though if you call Jon a prince be forwarned he doesn't like it."Garland sighed, "Great, now grandmother will be yammering to annul the marriage pact to have you marry Aegon.""That would not be possible," Margaery looked toward the great hall, "Sansa doesn't know this but Aegon has been asking a lot of questions about her. Her likes and dislikes, her favorite flower, and he learned recently that Lord Stark had decreed that his daughters would only marry husbands who carried the blood of the First Men. Aegon is the blood of the First Men as both his Targaryen grandparents were of it through House Blackwood."Mace nodded, "I'd thought if you and the young wolf did not work out, perhaps she and Willas or Loras.""You and I both know why Loras would be a bad match father," Margaery frowned, "and while Willas is still able to handle all his lordly duties, he's much closer to Princes Arianna's age than Sansa.""Hmm," Mace nodded, "then I am most fortunate you won over the young wolf. Your grandfather reported the two of you have grown quite fond of each other."He spotted his mother approaching and his daughter stiffening, "We have, my betrothed is as honorable as his father and by Loras's admission would make a fine knight. He does not need a knighthood, of course, being the heir to Winterfell."The Queen of Thorns scoffed, "A waste, you could be queen.""Grandmother," Margaery scolded, "there are more important things at stake than whose posterior settles in that monstrosity called the Iron Throne. Your ambitions will earn you few friends here, and liable to make more enemies than you could dream.""Well-spoken Lady Tyrell," they turned to find Lord Lannister approaching, "beg pardon but after Lady Sansa introduced Lord Willas we were wondering where the rest of your delegation had wandered off to."Mace grinned tightly, "Lord Tywin, been a while how do your fare?""Well enough," Tywin sneered, "my eldest children nearly brought ruin to my house through their selfishness and pride. I had thought I raised them better than that, hope to do better with Myrcella and Tommen this time around." Mace's eyes widened at the wording. Tywin motioned to the doors to the great hall, "If you would be so kind his Grace is waiting, and you know his patience is quite limited."(Winterfell Training Yard)Khal Drogo watched the woman with the morning star rip apart training dummies, her older sister with the mace watching from nearby. He knew the woman with the morning star had children, two, fathered by a man who lingered nearby. Truly he was not interested in that woman, it was the older sister who sparked his intrigue. They were kin to Jorah, members of House Mormont."I'd be cautious," Drogo looked to the man with the unchained giant on the doublet, "you are sizing up the most deadly women in the North."Khal Drogo knew the Umber man was speaking truly. One of the Wildling men had made a snide comment about the woman with the mace. That man was now missing a hand and would be no use as a warrior, he'd slunk off to help the kennel master once he'd recovered. Drogo frowned, "What kin are House Mormont to House Stark?"Umber swallowed hard, "Holding my tongue on that one my friend, like keeping all my parts and pieces mind you."This only raised the Dothraki's curiosity, that a simple question had drawn such fear from a man who tossed even Drogo's best bloodriders like they were green boys who'd never seen battle before. He quickly realized that fear was not the Umber lord's alone. He sought out Jorah who was speaking with his aunt, the head of his house Lady Maege Mormont.The older woman was already grey hair but he had seen her in the yard beating whelps like it was her personal duty to whip them all into shape, even he'd felt the sting of her mace. Jorah had noticed the expression on his face, it had been remarked that Dothraki was taciturn but their faces were easy to read, "What's wrong Drogo?""I asked Umber a question and the man's fear was nearly palpable," Drogo frowned, "I can tell he did not wish to lie, it goes against his nature. Yet he would not answer as he feared to speak would draw bodily harm."Maege chuckled, "There are few matters that would make old Great Jon tremble, what was your question?"Drogo shrugged, "I asked what kin is your house to that of Lord Stark. Your eldest daughter looks to be kin with Lord Stark and his second daughter.""Ah," Maege snorted, "that question would make the big oaf tremble." The woman leaned forward, "Women in my family do not marry, at least not in the ways of the southerners. We keep to the old ways, and as House Mormont is a ruling clan we find bears to father our children. Children who bare the name Mormont and live and die as members of our house."Jorah took a drink of mead, "Just so happens my aunt found herself in an old wolf's den instead of a bears cave some years ago. My cousin is a Mormont, even if she may have a bit of wolf in her."As he assessed his friend's words he thought of something else, "Why has she not found a bear? Her sister has one.""That's a bit personal, but," Jorah looked to his aunt who nodded, "when she was younger, just before the Greyjoy Rebellion. Euron Greyjoy attempted to steal her from Bear Island, to take as a salt wife. He wasn't able to get off the island with her but he assaulted her before abandoning her in a seaside cave. She was in a bad way, she was barely healed when the rebellion started and I kept an eye on her through every battle. I was the Lord of Bear Island then, I failed to protect my cousin, and I failed to get her justice. Euron is still out there somewhere.""Greyjoy?" Drogo wondered, "Like the boy Theon?"Maege nodded, "They be kin of sorts, Euron is Theon's uncle, but I doubt there be any love lost between the two. Euron is a fiendish creature that will attack his kin and foe alike. Last heard he had been banished from the Iron Islands for stealing and murdering one of his other brother's salt wives."That evening Drogo noticed the looks the King Baratheon would send toward Dacey Mormont. He'd motioned to one of his bloodriders, and spoke an order in Dothraki. The orders swiftly moved among his men, and when the music started Dacey found herself with a line of Dothraki asking to be her partner.(Three Days Later)Robb rode through the gates of Winterfell alone to his father's and the king's confusion. The rest of his party visibly waiting beyond the gate, "Pardon father but I drew the short straw to bear this message. We put it to a vote and it came up unanimous. We will not defile Winterfell with the presence of a craven child murderer. Lorch will die but we ask that you deliver justice at one of the heart trees within the wolf's wood."Eddard chuckled, "You have selected a place, my son?""Yes, the tree we passed on our way to the deserter's execution, it is young and has not yet been christened." Robb sat up tall, "Its trunk does not yet bare a face."With a nod, Eddard motioned to a nearby stable hand, "Saddle my horse." Several other lords including Mace, Tywin, Tarly, and Hightower called for their horses, and Ashara requested one for herself. Robert was the last to call for a horse with Selmy quick to join him.Oberyn nodded at Eddard as the group of lords approached, "I thought it best not to stain your home with the blood of this craven. He has been begging for his innocence since we caught him. Robb mentioned something about christening a heart tree."Eddard motioned to a shape on this horse that Oberyn had not taken notice of, but now realized it was a misshapen humanoid about the size of a child, but looked much older, "Prince Oberyn, I believe you will be interested in meeting Lief. A Child of the Forest," Eddard could only smirk at the gob-smacked look on the Dornishman's face.Oberyn blinked, "First the Others and now this. Next thing you'll tell me there are giants, snarks, and grumpkins beyond the wall."Lief tilted her head, "The snarks and grumpkins have never been beyond the Wall, and as for giants, their numbers dwindle but they remain.""I do not know if she is teasing me or serious," Oberyn turned his horse to ride next to Eddard, "in other news, the boys' performance in this endeavor was exemplary. They planned and worked together to bring Lorch in. Robb and Jon knew the lay of the land and estimated where we could best lay a trap. The dire wolves did most of the work."It did not take long to reach the heart tree. Eddard looked at the white bark, no face had yet to grace its trunk, "Lief, I will be executing a murderer here.""His blood will nourish this tree and strengthen the power of the Old Gods," the figure looked around, "some of my people have found their way here. They await the offering."As they dismounted they found Jory already working with some men to dig a depression beneath the roots. Sandor placed a block next to the depression, "Let's get this done." He noticed Lord Lannister among the gathered lords and gave a quick nod before motioning to have Lorch brought forward.Two guards dragged the haggard-looking Westerlander forward and forced him to his knees. Eddard glared at the condemned man as Jory's group continued their work, "Amory Lorch, by order of your liege you were to join the Night's Watch. Instead, you fled in the night. For the past two sennights, you stole from my people as you fled south. You have been declared a deserter. Additionally, you stand accused of murdering Princess Rhaenys. What have you to say?"Lorch spat on the ground, "I was a soldier following orders. We were to clear the way for His Grace, King Robert to claim the throne.""We have already had this discussion during Ser Gregor Clegane's trial. The orders were false," Eddard countered, "and as such you acted without the consent of your liege lord. You must realize by now the Night's Watch was a mercy, you would have been absolved of your crimes by admitting your guilt and spending your remaining days serving to protect the living from a fate worse than death."A glare crossed Lorch's face, "I demand trial by combat."Robert spoke up, "Denied," Lorch paled at the King's words, "trial by combat belongs to the ways of the Seven. What was the Old Way equivalent?"Tywin spoke up, "There isn't one, at least not for a man of Lorch's station. Magnars would fight in one-on-one battles to save their people from senseless slaughter. Lorch is not even of the First Men blood."Aegon approached handing Lord Stark a dragon glass-edged sword, "My lord, he who passes the sentence should swing the blade. The day my sister's body was laid at Robert Baratheon's feet, you called for justice to be done on those who so brutally murdered an innocent woman and her children. In the Old Way, as Magnar of Winterfell, you passed sentence. May this sword be christened with the blood of the murderer of my sister."Eddard gave a curt nod before taking the sword and turning to Jory, "Is the pit ready?""Aye my lord, the taproot is exposed," Jory climbed out of the depression along with the other two men.Lorch struggled as Sandor forced the man down on the block using his foot to pin the man in place as he struggled. Sandor growled as the man kept struggling, "Hold still you fucker, you don't want Lord Stark to miss and only nick yeh."Before Lorch could even try and reply Eddard swung true, cleaving the man's head from his shoulders. The head landed and rolled into the depression vanishing beneath the heart tree, with blood trickling down after. He then knelt before the tree, "Old Gods, gods of earth and tree, accept this offering. May the blood of Amory Lorch nourish this symbol of your presence, and may his flesh become its bark. May these branches serve as a sanctuary to your faithful."Jory and his men waited for Sandor to toss the rest of Lorch into the depression before returning the excavated earth to cover the remains. To the surprise of those who'd yet to encounter Leif the Child of the Forest knelt upon the loose soil, "They accept the offering."All eyes turned to the tree, where the trunk was once unblemished a large knot had formed and seemed to be growing rapidly. Soon features could be made out and they could recognize the face of Amory Lorch forming mouth open in a soundless scream with his eyes clenched shut.Sandor had moved to stand next to Tywin, "Not sure whom I pity more, Lorch or the tree that has to bear his mug for the rest of its life."Tywin had never been a religious man, but this display whether it be simple magic or the actual will of the gods was enough to make him step forward and kneel next to Lord Stark. He was surprised to be soon joined by several Reach lords and even a few of his own who had made the journey to Winterfell, "Lord Stark, not to question but, is this?"Eddard glared at the face that had formed on the heart tree, "I am not sure, even we believed the Children carved the faces. There are more than a few condemned buried in the roots of the heart tree in Winterfell."(North – Winterfell Godswood)Oberyn opened his eyes expecting to once more find himself in the shadowy copy of these woods. Yet he was not, instead, he sat in the middle of Winterfell's training yard, a calamitous ruckus came from the door to the Great Hall, the sound of hundreds of people celebrating. He frowned as he climbed over the fence and began approaching the great doors."You cannot enter my prince," he turned to see Arthur had appeared in the training yard, still the garish nightmare of a bloodied corpse, "that place is only for those who have released their burdens."The realization came to him, "The great feast of the gods, the Northerners' belief in the afterlife.""It fits, you are in the North and partaking in a Northern ritual," Arthur sighed, "why have you returned?""Lorch is dead," Oberyn explained, "condemned and executed for his crimes. I come to see that my sister and niece have found peace."Arthur nodded, "We know of Lorch, his soul passed through on his way into the abyss." He indicated the gateway to the Great Hall, "Watch."Golden light peeked through as the doors opened, bathing the gloomy yard in an all-encompassing warmth. To Oberyn it was as inviting as the sun glistening off the pools of the water gardens. He looked to see Elia and Rhaenys approach. The little girl clutched at her mother's hands. The pair paused at the bottom step, Oberyn noticed that Rhaenys was standing on the step, but his sister had not taken the step.He saw Elia smiling sadly as she released the girl's hand. Rhaenys turned back, "Muna?"Tears appeared on Elia's ruined and bloodstained face, "I'm sorry my sweet little dragon, it is not my time yet. I cannot go with you.""I don't want to be alone Muna," Rhaenys cried."You won't be," Elia smiled tightly, "look."Figures appeared at the door. Two large men, one Oberyn recognized as Brandon Stark, and from the resemblance, he could judge the other as Rickard. The old wolf and wild wolf were flanking a much smaller figure, Oberyn's chest tightened as he saw Lyanna. She looked as he remembered, but the spell was broken the moment she stepped beyond the gateway. The grey dress she wore became drenched in blood from the waist down, her skin took on a waxy complexion of one consumed by fever, and her hair took on a wild appearance. She looked ghastly compared to the other specters he'd encountered."Come little one," Lyanna did not leave the steps, "your Muna will be along in time." Elia nodded to her daughter and the girl went to Lyanna who scooped her up. Oberyn watched them pass back through the gateway, the wounds, and signs of their causes of death seemed to vanish as they passed into the hall. Slowly the massive door began to swing shut, cutting the yard off from the light and warmth, casting it back into the gloom and shadows.He saw his sister collapse with a silent keening sob, he moved towards her but the specter of Rhaegar appeared and swiftly wrapped her in his arms. Oberyn spoke, "Why, why didn't you go with her?""Lorch was not what holds Elia here," Arthur drawled out, "her regrets, her pain is grief for another. For the life she so callously disregarded.""What, speak sense, Arthur?" Oberyn growled not knowing how much time he had left here, "Who's life did she disregard? Elia was the most caring and giving person I have ever known."Arthur bowed his head, "My sister, Ashara. Elia's deepest regret is that she asked too much of her most faithful friend. Rhaegar and Elia's plans resulted in Ashara losing her betrothed, her son, and her future. She spent years raising Elia's son, letting her son and the man she loves think she had taken her own life.""Ridiculous," Oberyn practically snarled, "Ashara's actions were of her own doing, no one told her to fake her death and live in exile. It was Holster Tully who demanded Lord Stark set Ash aside and honor the contract between their houses. It was your brother who took her son and claimed him as his own."The world around them twisted and morphed, and they were no longer in the gloom-filled replica of Winterfell. Oberyn recognized the place, not because he'd been there personally, but had read enough books on it. The Isle of Faces within the God's Eye. From the shade of one of the numerous heart trees, he spied a group of people gathered before the oldest-looking heart tree he'd ever seen. The face was weathered and cracked allowing for many more steams of red sap to run.Oberyn took notice of the people. A young Eddard and Ashara stood with others in a half circle. Oberyn recognized the younger face of Lord Howland Reed standing between Ned and Ash and the heart tree. The people in the half-circle surprised him. On Ned's side, it consisted of the Great Jon, Lord Wendell Manderly, and a girl that looked like a very young Dacey Mormont. On Ash's side stood Rhaegar, Elia, and Arthur.Howland Reed began speaking, "We stand in the sight of the gods of earth and tree, the gods of sea and sky, and the gods of fire and ice. We seek your wisdom and guidance to those old powers which have provided for us of the First Blood since our first footsteps upon the shores of Westeros. Two souls have come to this grove to promise their union before the sight of gods and man. Who bares witness?"Great Jon boisterously stepped forward, "Aye I of House Umber of Last Hearth bares witness to this oath, and swear to carry word of it to my Magnar.""As do I," Wendell stepped next to his countryman, "of House Manderly of White Harbor, and swear to carry word of it to my Magnar."Rhaegar stepped up next, "As the crown prince of the Seven Kingdoms I bare witness and await the day this promise is fulfilled." Elia as well stepped forward and swore to inform Ashara's kin.Howland said something more in a language Oberyn was not familiar with before the ceremony came to an end and everyone began milling about and talking. Rhaegar and Elia approached the couple, the prince frowning, "Lord Stark I am curious, Ashara informed me she needed Arthur here to act as a witness as a member of her family, but you did not bring either of your brothers or sister."Eddard looked uncomfortable for a moment before motioning to Dacey who'd moved to hide behind his hip, "I have a sibling present your Grace, though you may look down on such things. Dacey Mormont is my half-sister."Rhaegar looked at the girl closely, "I was not going to broach the subject of her similarity to you. We all witnessed your father's bannerman Jorah take offense. If you need her legitimized you only need to send word."Eddard's eyes narrowed, "In the eyes of the North she is legitimate. She is the daughter of Maege Mormont, they practice the Old Ways. Dacey is a legitimate daughter of House Mormont, but she has the blood of House Stark running in her veins.""I meant no offense Lord Stark," Rheagar defended, "I will need to refamiliarize myself with the customs of the First Men, I want to be a king of all my people, not just those who follow the Faith."Oberyn felt himself being pulled away from the image, and soon found himself back in Winterfell's godswood with Aegon and Jon standing in front of him. The Child of the Forest crouched in front of him offering a waterskin. Rinsing the aftertaste from his mouth he sighed, "Rhaenys is at peace."Aegon frowned, "What about mother?""That is a bit more complicated," he looked between the two boys, "My sister is far too caring, she regrets the pain the rebellion caused, the oaths that had been broken.""What do you mean," Aegon moved to sit on the root next to Oberyn, "what is holding her back?"Jon frowned, "Father and Lady Ashara?"Oberyn was surprised the boy had so readily guessed, "How?""The night your party arrived I was taking Ghost and Shaggy Dog to roam in the godswood for a bit before retiring for the evening. I overheard voices," Jon frowned, "I recognized Lord Umber and Lord Manderly, the third one I believe was Lord Reed. They were speaking about an unfulfilled oath. I didn't know what they were talking about but they mentioned father and Lady Dayne."Oberyn nodded, "I just witnessed the oath they were speaking of.""You saw them exchanging pins," Aegon asked surprised."Yes, and learned something I was not aware of," Oberyn frowned, "Your parents were there and aware, they were Ash's witnesses along with her brother."Jon was surprised, "Was my mother there as well?""No," Oberyn narrowed his look at the boy, "how well do you know Lady Dacey Mormont?""Lady Dacey?" Jon shook his head, "I know her name, she is the heir to Bear Island. Lady Stark often complained about her, but she'd always stop when she noticed any of us were close enough to hear."Oberyn snorted, "Oh, I can just imagine the things that woman has said. So, you are not aware that Lady Dacey is your aunt?"The prince of Dorne had to fight the urge to snicker as the boy's jaw went slack as his brain ceased working for a moment to process the new information. After a moment Jon seemed to return to himself, "How?"This time Oberyn couldn't resist, "Well, I had hoped Lord Stark or the Maester had taught you this, but when a man is attracted to a woman he may get the urge to…""No, gross, I know that, I meant…" Jon trailed off as Leif stood and placed a hand on his shoulder, "…what?""New life is a gift of the gods," Leif intoned as she tilted her head, "to give back for those they take. The gods give just as much as they take. New life is a gift."Jon looked at his brother and Oberyn, "There is no word for bastard in the Old Tongue. The concept of being legitimate was foreign to the First Men until first contact with the Rhoynar and Andals. In the Old Way, any child of a great house belongs to their mother's house unless they are claimed by their father, especially in the North, children are seen as gifts from the gods."(North – Lord Stark's Solar)Ned watched as Benjen greeted Dacey and Alysane, what remained of their pack reunited. Benjen had been waiting for them with a small group of riders from the Wall. He'd been thankful Jon had yet to return to his chamber and was still using the cot in Rickon's chambers. His younger brother finally turned to him, "We have much to talk about brother, and Maester Aemon would much appreciate a word with what's left of his kin. Think he's including your friend his Grace in that grouping."Nodding Eddard leaned back in his chair, "Must be important you could only have just gotten back to the Wall.""Well, I did leave Clegane at the Wall this time. He's manning the lift." Benjen sighed, "Took a bit of convincing but we have also brought the Kingslayer with us, he is in black but hasn't officially taken his oath of service. The Lord Commander has ordered me to do everything in my power to ensure Lannister returns to the Wall in one piece."Ned grimaced at this, "Where is he?""Jon's room, figured since the truth is out you hadn't cast him back into that cell," Benjen frowned, "why didn't you tell us, we are your pack we had a right to know.""I swore to protect him," Ned leaned on his desk, "it would only be my head, you would be able to claim ignorance.""All right," Benjen motioned to their half-sisters, "but no one knew of Dacey or Alysane, you could have entrusted them with the truth."Ned snorted, "To what end Benjen, as you said, no one outside this room save for Jorah, Maege, and the Old Bear knows the truth. Already had my wife fuming over bringing a bastard under our roof, didn't need her figuring out the eldest daughters of Maege Mormont were daughters of my father. The rumors at Harrenhal where Dacey was Brandon's."Benjen sighed, "Fine, but this isn't over," he dropped into one of the chairs by the fire, "I heard from Harwin you locked Catelyn up."Alysane snorted, "The fish finally showed her true colors.""Catelyn, was overwhelmed," Eddard sent his youngest sibling a glare, "one too many shocking turn of events seems to have made her lose herself. It was safer for everyone that she takes time to reflect on her actions."A knock at the door drew their attention and Jory poked his head in, "Lord Stark, as you requested, your children are here."Ned stood up, "Thank you, Jory, for sake of how many people will be in this room tell them their wolves can wait in the hall with their mother." Jory gave a stiff nod before backing out, a moment later the door opened again.Robb led the small precession. Sansa and Arya are behind their eldest brother with Jon and Bran behind them. Jon was the first to speak, "Father, Aegon, and Daenerys are watching Rickon."A bit of the nervousness in Eddard eased every time Jon called him father, "Thank you, Jon, I hope it was not too bothersome for them."Jon shook his head, "Rickon wanted to show Robin the godswood, Danerys decided to make a picnic of the outing."Eddard gave the boy who was as good as his son a nod, knowing Osha would be nearby. The wildling woman wanted nothing more than to protect the children, especially the younger boys. She'd been amazed to learn Bran had not been pushed from the broken tower and had use of his legs. He noticed Robb glancing at the door, "A problem son?""We are short a brother, father," Robb frowned, "Where's Edric?"Eddard sighed, "With his mother, I made a misstep that put Lady Dayne on edge.""This has something to do with the visions?" Jon spoke up, he was the only one of them who know of the visions, "something from that other time?"Ned noted the confused looks of his other children, "Yes, I was never aware of Edric's connection to me before Lady Dayne arrived the other day. That is one reason I have summoned you all here to talk about what has transpired."Arya spoke up, "Why are Lady Dacey and Lady Alsane here?"Benjen stood from the chair that had kept him hidden from his nieces and nephews, "Because they have the rights of kinship little she-wolf.""Kin?" Sansa frowned, "How?"A glare came from Eddard to his brother before it eased to a stern look as he looked to his children, "Dacey and Alysane are your aunts. My and Benjen's half-sisters."Arya frowned, "Grandfather remarried Lady Mormont before he died?"Alysane snorted, "They don't know the Old Ways Ned?""Unfortunately, I hadn't gotten around to teaching all of them." He looked at Robb and Jon who were sharing a look of understanding.Robb spoke up, "In the Old Ways the concept of legitimacy is very vague compared to what we think of today. The Mormonts have always been closer to the Old Ways than the rest of the North.""Prince Oberyn knows," everyone looked at him, he continued, "he informed me and Aegon that Dacey is my aunt. He took another vision quest in the godswood aided by Leif. He saw the memory of Father and Lady Dayne exchanging house pins and swearing to get married. He witnessed father explaining to my… to Prince Rhaegar that Dacey was his blood kin witness."Robb looked between Jon and their father in shock, "You had sworn an oath to marry Lady Dayne?""Yes, and I broke that oath when I married your mother instead," Ned sighed, "I was in a no-win situation. Either I broke the oath I'd made with Lady Dayne, in turn sullying my honor, or I refused to fulfill the betrothal contract to marry Catelyn and have the Riverlands turn against me."Bran spoke up, "Father, you and Jon were talking about a vision, if you had a vision why didn't it show you Edric?"Eddard could barely believe the irony of Bran being the one to bring the conversation back to the subject at hand, "That is a complicated question, Bran. To simplify it let us just state that one of the individuals involved in explaining the visions was very young and had not come to grips with the information he was imparting, some of his biases leaked through his mask of emotionless indifference."Notes:
Really had trouble on this chapter, might be a bit before the next one comes along.
